Addressing the question of how computers can assist language development, this discussion paper presents a broad overview of the potential for computer use across the elementary school language arts curriculum. It begins by listing several questions that must be considered when assessing the usefulness of computers within the language curriculum,…

Focusing on ways to teach fourth-grade students the machine skills they need to make the computer a fluent writing tool, this study sought to identify the word processing skills that students need to learn and the ones that are most difficult, and the instructional approaches that work best in teaching word processing skills. The problems and…

This unit introduces students to the basic skills, procedures, and formats used in operating most word processing equipment. Introductory materials include an overview of the three-week unit, its scope, and student behavioral objectives. Teacher materials provided are a lesson plan outline, glossary, and some masters for visual aids. Two student…

Outlines strategies for running a successful faculty workshop dealing with computers, such as: (1) make participation optional; (2) focus only on what an instructor needs to know to write and teach using a computer; (3) give word processing instruction individually; (4) present computer uses as possibilities, not as correct answers; and (5)…

Major changes are underway in the ways campuses deal with computing and computers. Computers are critical tools in academic research and instruction, and they can enhance personal productivity of faculty, staff, and students. Campuses must integrate computing into the curriculum in all three of these dimensions. (MLW)

Many different kinds of incentives and support structures must be established in order to provide a campus environment in which instructional computing can flourish. Innovative academic computing programs at six liberal arts colleges (Colby, Hamline, Marymount, Smith, Swarthmore, and Wells) are reported. (Author/MLW)

An analysis of 87 undergraduate questionnaires found that students' perceived increased levels of expertise in 25 skills after taking a self-paced word processing and worksheet/spreadsheet applications course. Examined the relationship between age, gender, race, and grades, and found a positive correlation between grades and perceptions in…

Describes a computer applications course developed for undergraduate biology students (primarily sophomores) to teach word processing, database and spreadsheet programs, graphing programs, telecommunications, and file transfer procedures. AppleWorks software is discussed, course content is explained, and the microcomputer laboratory is described.…

This curriculum consists of a common core of computer-related knowledge and skills that emphasize developing knowledgeable users of microcomputers rather than computer programmers, technicians, or engineers. Teacher and student editions are provided. Eleven competency-based modules are included. Modules 1, 3, 4, and 6 emphasize hands-on skills…

Changes that computer technology has brought about in higher education and skills needed by faculty and students are discussed. Computer/information literacy is important in higher education and in graduates' work after college. Tools introduced by technology include: microcomputers connected to the university's central computer, electronic mail…

Unpredicted ways in which the use of computers has affected social interactions in colleges and universities are considered. Information was gathered from a literature review and from personal observations. One outcome of introducing computers into an academic or administrative unit is the development of alliances depending on prior experience…

Arguing that educators have evolved past the introductory computer literacy stage and now need an enhanced understanding of the uses of the computer as an essential tool of the trade, this paper identifies three factors that need to be considered when designing staff development programs: (1) a review of different cognitive abilities and skills…

Describes an innovative, tool-based high school computer literacy course that involves student use of productivity software to learn what computers do in the real world rather than programing. Several student projects, teacher qualifications and responsibilities, and the role of peer teaching are discussed. (MBR)

This document is designed for high school teachers to use in teaching a course that introduces students to computing through hands-on experience with databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, and word processing. The document begins with a rationale, brief course description, list of course objectives, and list of 10 innovative teaching…

Desktop Adventures are computer-based scenarios incorporating the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for practicing problem solving across the curriculum suitable for whole class or cooperative group instruction. Reviews problem solving steps and approaches and describes introducing, creating, and extending desktop…